BSEC: Govt delegates resolution to chairman amid staff protests

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed distanced the government from the ongoing unrest at the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), saying that Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood bears full responsibility for resolving it. 

“I have nothing to do with it. The BSEC chairman is there—he’ll handle it,” Salehuddin told journalists as he left the Finance Ministry on Thursday, March 6.  

The statement follows a Wednesday protest by BSEC officers and employees demanding Maqsood’s resignation, escalating into a strike on Thursday. 

The Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association (BMBA) and DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) have voiced concerns over the disruption.  

When pressed on the government’s stance, Salehuddin iterated, “The Securities Exchange will address it—I have no role here. The chairman will deal with it.” 

Asked about the staff’s siege and demands, he said, “Let them do what they want.” 

On how operations would continue amid the work stoppage, he shrugged, “Only they know how it’ll function. Many are striking.”  

Returning from the Secretariat, Maqsood told reporters, “We met with the government today. They urged us to strengthen our ongoing work.” 

Addressing the resignation calls and strike, he added, “We won’t stray an inch from our mission or bow to injustice. We’ll continue with dedication and discipline.” 

Commissioner Farzana Lalarukh, asked about non-compliant staff, said, “We’ll call them back to work. If they refuse, we’ll see what happens next.”  

Meanwhile, the BSEC Officers Welfare Association issued a scathing statement, alleging that police and army were summoned with “false information” and attacked staff with batons, injuring several. 

They accused Chairman Maqsood, Commissioner Mohsin Chowdhury, and others of pushing a “fascist agenda” from the previous regime, citing forced retirements and show-cause notices targeting experienced officials.  

The association is pressing for a four-point charter of demands:  Immediate resignation of the current commission, an unconditional apology for the alleged army-led baton charge on staff, appointment of an experienced, qualified chairperson and commissioners via the Chief Adviser’s intervention, and recognition of BSEC as an independent, autonomous body free from political interference, with swift implementation.